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Buying a car

TylerDurden

Well-Known Member
Hello All,

Is there any particular type/model of car that you could recommend for Mastiff owners? We are in the process of looking around, but want to make sure we have enough room for Bane. I have seen quite a few full grown Mastiffs, but never one riding in a car.

Any recommendations you have are appreciated.

Thank you.
 

marke

Well-Known Member
honda odyssey , toyota sienna , kia sedona , dodge grand caravan , nissan quest , low to the ground for an old dog to get in , and with seats down or out lots of room for a crate or crates ........
 

Bailey's Mom

Super Moderator
Super Moderator
This question has been asked before and generally something with a hatchback (easy entrance) would be good. We have a Dodge Grand Caravan and we keep the third row of seats folded down. We do however, keep either one or both of the 2nd row individual seats up. Bailey likes planting her butt on the seat and her front legs on the floor, sort of like "seat-surfing." This configuration gives the dog a great deal of control without containment. This said, Bane will be much larger than Bailey and you may have to consider a confined hatch area with a cage separating you from the dog's area. There are no restraint devices that I know of that really work. I believe Marketplace in Canada did a review of the ones on the market and found that in crashes none of them worked well...even barely well.

We used a short isolation harness strap when Bailey was small. It kept her confined behind the front seats without letting her wander. After six months we just let her have her freedom of the van. Others, I know, still have crates set up to control movement while travelling. But, with an EM, that would be one HUGE crate.

Let's wait and see what the others have to say about their choice of vehicles.

Obviously, there are DO NOT'S that should be easily apparent, and in some locations in North America, illegal (check with the police for clarification.)

Do Not Let Your Dog Ride In The Open Back of a Pick Up Truck...Why? Imagine a collision, whether from the front or the rear, you have a flesh and blood 220+ pound projectile ending, not only its own, but other's lives on impact. Even if tied down, the impact will snap the dog's neck. Inside the protective carriage of the vehicle, a dog has a chance at surviving, and escaping in case fire erupts.

Open Car or Truck Windows! Danger: It looks cute...great for family photos, but the wind is often blowing more than air past you. Just remember the last time you had some sand or grit or no-seeums get in your eye while walking, it is painful...very, very painful and your best friend will suffer and then your wallet will suffer while visiting the vet to have them flush the dog's eye, and hopefully stop any infection OR, even blindness! It's not worth it. Take those cute family pictures while the car is standing still. Also...never leave the window down far enough that the dog can escape (I've done that:eek:) OR, that someone could reach in and open the lock, releasing and possibly stealing your dog. It has happened.

And, dogs in cars or any vehicle when it is warm (doesn't have to be hot), are in danger of overheating and can be overcome and die quickly if left unattended in a vehicle. Limit time left alone in a vehicle to under 10 minutes, (five in extreme heat.) Always have water available, and if possible, leave the car on with your auto start feature with the air conditioner running. Same advice for winter, no longer than 10 minutes, (five in extreme cold), and if you have to be gone longer than 10 minutes, remember, leave the car running using your auto start feature so that the heater can keep the vehicle warm. FINALLY, Never, Ever leave a dog in a car, no matter what the temperature for longer than 15 minutes. It is cruel, and, unnecessary. If you have to be gone for a long time, don't take your friend with you, leave him safe at home.

I hope this has helped. :)
 

7121548

Well-Known Member
Definitely look for one that is low to the ground and that has a cargo area with enough head room. I got a used Honda Element just for the dog, took out the back seats and put a memory foam mattress back there for him. It's 4WD and awesome for road trips. The floor is also rubber so it's easy to clean up the sand, grass, dirt, drool, etc. I've also rented a Dodge Caravan and thought it was an awesome mastiff-mobile, if you're ok with a minivan. Tons of space in the back, and I like that the door slides open.